WHISTLING Meaning and
Definition
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Whistling is a verb and refers to the act of producing a high-pitched sound by forcing air through pursed lips or a small opening between the teeth, creating a musical tone. This can be achieved by either blowing air audibly or by creating a continuous sound while inhaling or exhaling. Whistling is often used as a method of communication, expressing emotions, or simply as a form of entertainment.
The technique of whistling involves the manipulation of the mouth and tongue, controlling the amount and speed of airflow to produce different pitches and melodies. It requires a certain level of breath control and skill to create distinct, clear sounds. Whistling can vary in volume and intensity, ranging from soft and gentle to loud and piercing.
Whistling has been practiced by humans for thousands of years and holds cultural significance in many societies. It is commonly used in music, where it serves as a melodic or rhythmic element in songs, either as a main feature or an embellishment.
Outside of music, whistling can also serve practical purposes, such as signaling or attracting attention. In sports events or rallies, whistling can be used by referees or organizers to indicate the start, end, or any specific actions within the event.
Overall, whistling is a versatile and expressive technique that allows individuals to create melodious sounds through the controlled release of air, often resulting in an entertaining or functional outcome.
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• Uttering musical sounds by contracting the lips; sounding with a pipe; making a shrill sound, as wind.
• The shrill sounds of a whistle, or made by the wind.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for WHISTLING *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for WHISTLING
Etymology of WHISTLING
The word "whistling" is derived from the Old English word "hwistlian", which means "to make a shrill sound by blowing". This comes from the Proto-Germanic word "hwislijaną", which has the same meaning. The word developed from the Proto-Indo-European root "*kweik-", meaning "to shout, to whistle". This root is also the source of words like "shriek" and "quake".
Idioms with the word WHISTLING
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whistling in the dark
The idiom "whistling in the dark" refers to an action of trying to remain positive, brave, or optimistic in a difficult or dangerous situation, often by pretending everything is alright despite evident challenges or fears. It suggests that the individual is trying to keep up appearances or provide reassurance to themselves or others, despite the presence of uncertainties or potential threats.
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be whistling in the dark
The idiom "be whistling in the dark" means to pretend to be brave or confident in a situation that is frightening or uncertain, often to mask one's own fear or anxiety. It implies attempting to maintain a positive demeanor or outlook when faced with challenging circumstances.
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be whistling Dixie
The idiom "be whistling Dixie" means to be indulging in unrealistic or unfounded optimism, often resulting in misguided confidence or wishful thinking. It suggests someone is embracing a false sense of security or happiness while ignoring or disregarding the reality of a situation.
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not just whistling Dixie
The idiom "not just whistling Dixie" means that someone is not merely talking or making idle statements. It implies that the person is serious, sincere, or actually taking action rather than just engaging in empty chatter or boasting.
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not be whistling Dixie
The idiom "not be whistling Dixie" means to be serious, sincere, or not joking about something. It often implies that the subject matter at hand is significant or important, and the person is genuinely expressing their thoughts or opinions without any trace of insincerity or joking.
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be not whistling Dixie
The idiom "be not whistling Dixie" typically means not to be joking or speaking falsely about something. It implies that the speaker is serious, sincere, or telling the truth about a particular matter. It can also mean that someone is not engaging in something trivial or frivolous, but rather dealing with a serious or significant issue. The phrase originates from the song "Dixie," which was often associated with the American South during the Civil War era, to convey the idea of authenticity or seriousness.
Similar spelling words for WHISTLING
Conjugate verb Whistling
CONDITIONAL
I
would whistle
we
would whistle
you
would whistle
he/she/it
would whistle
they
would whistle
FUTURE
I
will whistle
we
will whistle
you
will whistle
he/she/it
will whistle
they
will whistle
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have whistled
we
will have whistled
you
will have whistled
he/she/it
will have whistled
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will have whistled
PAST
I
whistled
we
whistled
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whistled
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whistled
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whistled
PAST PERFECT
I
had whistled
we
had whistled
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had whistled
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had whistled
PRESENT
I
whistle
we
whistle
you
whistle
he/she/it
whistles
they
whistle
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have whistled
we
have whistled
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have whistled
he/she/it
has whistled
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have whistled
I
am whistling
we
are whistling
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are whistling
I
was whistling
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were whistling
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will be whistling
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I
have been whistling
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have been whistling
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I
had been whistling
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had been whistling
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will have been whistling
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I
would have whistled
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would have whistled
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I
would be whistling
we
would be whistling
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would be whistling
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would be whistling
I
would have been whistling
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